Business Success Blog

If you have a Twitter account, then one of the first things you had to do was choose a Username. And if you read our last blog on Twitter Usernames then you probably have an amazing, catchy, keyword rich, or branded name. But now how do you create an Avatar that is just as spectacular? Read on for tips on spicing up your avatar!

Choosing and creating an avatar can be fun. Think creatively. Choose something that is just as eye-catching as your username. And remember, that avatar is only 48 x 48 pixels so it has to be something that still looks good tiny. Need some ideas? Here you go:

1) Your photo. This one is easy, and the obvious choice. Decide on what image you want to portray, and make your avatar reflect it. A professional, serious photo can reflect your personal integrity in your industry. Something with a unique perspective can show your creative side. Showing personality is great too and can help you stand out in a Twitter crowd.

2) Cartoons and other objects of interest. Perhaps a cartoon or other object better portrays your online brand or personality. Turn yourself into a cartoon, or choose your favorite character to represent your online alter-ego.

3) Logos. Of course, if you have a logo that fits nicely into a tiny little box, then brand away!

4) Holidays and special occasions. You can even tweak your avatar from time to time for various occasions such as pink for breast cancer awareness month, green for St. Patrick's Day, or add a Santa hat for holiday fun!

Whatever you choose, just remember a few key items:

Your main avatar on your page is 73 x 73 pixels, but everywhere else, it's the much smaller 48 x 48, so make sure it looks good in both sizes.

Don't make it so small you can't read it. What message does this avatar portray? Not a great "vehicle" if you ask me.

Branding is good, if people remember your brand. But don't be too generic or forgettable. If you saw a tweet next to this avatar about their recent charity donations, would you remember which restaurant it is?

Anything is better than the default image which turns people off right away and chases away would-be followers fast.

If you have access to PhotoShop, finding and cropping down an image is fairly simple. There are also a few fun sites out there where you can turn your photo into a cartoon avatar. Try Face Your Manga, or create a South Park Avatar. And if you're still looking for ideas, check out Mashable's blog on 5 Very Simple ways to Create an Avatar where they share 5 links to similar sites where you can create your avatar.

Once you get your Avatar all spiced up, check back for our next post on making your Twitter background pop!

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Upright Communications is an inbound marketing agency founded in 1996. We create new sales opportunities for businesses in local, national and international markets. Your website is your best salesperson, and we prove this every day for our customers.